RAM options for towing 5th wheel - advice requested

[SnoKing]

Through a variety of measures, 2019 RAM 3500 models have significantly increased capacities since 2015.

Aluminum hood, lighter injection pump(ha ha) and lighter block. Does not change much with rear axle capacity, which is the issue with larger 5th wheels.

 

[RVTRKN]

Look at my signature, the 04.5 2500 could legally tow the Arctic Fox at 16K GVWR, however I had to keep the tanks empty, except the propane tanks. My new 3500 SRW will have no problems pulling the Arctic Fox with tanks full. Just food for thought.

 

[JR]

I looked today again at my trucks carrying capacity. It is 3664. I am not sure how some have 4K+, my trim level, transmission etc is noted in sig line. According to the 2015 towing guide from RAM the payload is 3,920. So it appears the the Laramie with bucket seats is 256 pounds heavier than the base model noted in the guide.

Rear axle is listed at 2965. Ready to tow my rear axle was 3760. Which gave me a max around 3240 for pin weight. SnoKing

You also have one of them thar super duper payload consuming Aisin transmissions which gives up another 100 lbs over the lowly 68.

 

[SnoKing]

You also have one of them thar super duper payload consuming Aisin transmissions which gives up another 100 lbs over the lowly 68.

The payload number I quoted is for a HO Aisin truck. A6 68RFE 3.42 11,700 4,070 / A6 AS69RC 3.42 11,700 3,920 = 150 lbs difference. Those extra horse powers along with the HD muffler bearings must weigh 50 pounds!

 

[Wiredawg]

I'd like to expand my earlier comment about getting all the towing options: My wifes 2019 1500 has the 360° surround camera system I really like. And you can select front or rear camera. It's like having a drone above the truck. I really like the tech.

My 2017 Ram 5500 Laramie CC 4x4 is an amazing tow hauler. It only has the back up camera and front/backup park sense which is pretty nice. I added the Edge CST2 Monitor and am installing two cameras with a selector switch AND will install one on the headache rack and one on my front grill. Cameras are great addition.

I know you're not considering a Cab&Chassis, but sure is nice having HD bed, no worry about trailer/bed clearance, and having HD lockable storage in the sides. Easy cargo loading from rear and side.

Anyhoo, please let me suggest going to Ram website, build several trucks, print each of them, and do side by side comparison. I'm retired, so have LOTS of time.

Once, I decided to build a 2019 Tradesman CC 4x4 Dually, basic truck, with Aisin, HO motor, 4.10s, puck system, no slip rear end, and got it right at $60K. It was a meat and potatoes truck tow beast. My 2009 Ram 4500 CC 4x4 was a meat and potatoes tow beast. Can't go wrong that route either.

FYI: I have three RV buddies I helped pick thier trucks. One has 2018 Ram Laramie CC 4x4 3500 dually, loaded 4.10s for 20KLb 5er; another has 2018 Ram Tradesman CC 4x4, 3500 dually 68RFE, 3.42s I think (bare bones... he has triplets 7 years old) for 16KLb 5er; and 2017 Ram Laramie Longhorn MC 4x4 2500, 68RFE, 3.42s, 9Klb pull behind. All are happy as fat ticks on a dawg.

Just more STUFF fer ya back pocket.

Cheers, Ron

 

[Cummins12V98]

Old habits are hard to forget, I always look up the throat to make sure jaws closed on pin AFTER doing everything else.

I LOOK at my jaws when connecting brake away cable and connecting 7 pin. This is after LOCKING my handle closed. It simply CAN'T fall.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Look at my signature, the 04.5 2500 could legally tow the Arctic Fox at 16K GVWR, however I had to keep the tanks empty, except the propane tanks. My new 3500 SRW will have no problems pulling the Arctic Fox with tanks full. Just food for thought.

You say this because of the trucks "tow rating" ???

 

[RVTRKN]

Yes, my ArcticFox GVWR OF 15K is within my SRW 3500 GVWR (Rear axle W/pin weight) and GCVWR.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Unfortunately people "think" they can tow something because there spec says they can "tow XXX". But can it be carried is the real question. 20% is a bare minimum and up to 25% pin is more often reality with double axle 5er's. Triple axle 5er's typically have lower pin weights in the 15-20% range.

 

[RVTRKN]

Is this meant for me? I don’t understand, if I’m in the numbers it’s good for me. My Class A lic. tells me I’m qualified. My 3500 C&C was way more than enough truck, and I wouldn’t have bought a SRW 3500 if it couldn’t handle my 5ver.

 

[DesertRiders]

Now I'm looking at this truck.

https://www.yorkchryslerdodgejeepra...lley-2019-RAM-3500-Longhorn-3C63RRNL4KG626912

Payload is 4150 lbs.

 

[DesertRiders]

And this one, 4,010 payload

https://www.avondaledodge.com/whole...ndale+az-9bf662310a0e0a1776d4d62660fa0bed.htm

 

[DesertRiders]

And this one is SRW with payload of 4,150 lbs.

https://www.earnhardtcjd.com/vehicl...ie-crew-cab-4x4-64-box-gilbert-az-id-31728452

 

[Cummins2014]

And this one, 4,010 payload

https://www.avondaledodge.com/whole...ndale+az-9bf662310a0e0a1776d4d62660fa0bed.htm

Now you are talking, best of two worlds if needing a DRW , plus the Megacab. Although mine is just the SWR 3500, its all I need for my fifth wheel. But the Megacab short bed is the only way to go.

 

[Cummins2014]

And this one is SRW with payload of 4,150 lbs.

https://www.earnhardtcjd.com/vehicl...ie-crew-cab-4x4-64-box-gilbert-az-id-31728452

No,No, No, stick with the Megacab

 

[Cummins2014]

And its the right color

 

[DesertRiders]

Would it be especially advantageous to get the Aisin transmission vs the standard one?

Is it considered to be more trouble-free?

And how about the 1000 ft lb vs the 850 ft lb.? Are those two engines considered equally trouble-free?

 

[Cummins2014]

This will be an interesting discussion now.

 

[Cummins2014]

Would it be especially advantageous to get the Aisin transmission vs the standard one?

Is it considered to be more trouble-free?

And how about the 1000 ft lb vs the 850 ft lb.? Are those two engines considered equally trouble-free?

I think as far as the equally trouble free, no one can really answer that, there has been some changes in the 6.7 , and its pretty new at this point as far as the 1000 ft lb. The 850 is probably the same engine with the changes, just less torque, with the 68RFE. The one thing some seem concerned with is the HPFP CP4, the one used in the Fords ,and GM's. The Cummins went to the CP4 also .

 

[Wiredawg]

Short answer:
Aisin = Heavy Duty;
68REFE = Standard Duty
Both good, one has higher specs and weight. Both will do what you want to do.

I pick(ed) Aisin.

Cheers,

Ron